Craig Borer, owner of the hair salon Touch of Class, styles the hair of Mary Christman, who has been a client for 15 years. / Sara C. Tobias/Telegraph-Forum

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Telegraph-Forum

BUCYRUS -- Local business owner Craig Borer is just as passionate about his profession and his clients as he was 25 years ago when he opened his salon, Touch of Class.

Borer, a 1980 Bucyrus High School graduate who also graduated from the Tiffin Academy of Hair Design in 1981, said he credits Joanne Warfel for being his inspiration.

"I worked for Joanne at the shop she owned back then, The Trendsetters in Galion. She encouraged and inspired me," Borer said.

In July 1987, Borer's parents assisted him in purchasing the land at 520 E. Southern Ave.

"We purchased the land from Floyd Cotsamire. There was once a small grocery store on the property that had already been torn down. My parents helped me by purchasing the land. I owe them a lot. They went out on a limb for me," Borer said. "If it wasn't for them, I would not be where I am today."

Borer has spent much of his career helping out at local nursing homes by doing hair for the residents.

Borer's girlfriend, Carolyn Britton, said Borer has a special gift for working with the elderly.

"He is so good with the elderly. He will even go to their homes and pick them up to get their hair done. And they all love him and have been coming to him for the entire 25 years he has been in business," Britton said.

One of those clients is Mary Christman.

"I met Craig when he did my hair while I was a patient at Altercare. He's a wonderful guy and is always willing to pick me up and put up with me," Christman said with a laugh as Borer styled her hair.

Borer will have a float in the Bucyrus Bratwurst Festival again this year that he purchased from Carle's.

"I have been selling T-shirts, just at cost and not for profit, for people to wear to the parade along with the ones who will be riding on the float. They are in a variety of beautiful colors and feature the salon," Britton said.

Borer offers full-service styling at his salon along with tanning facilities that he added to the stop about 19 years ago.

Borer, who is the father of one adult daughter, Nicole, said God has blessed his life.

"I get to do something I love every day and make a living at it. That is a wonderful thing," Borer said.